Getting arrested is quite scary. Suddenly, you face possible jail or prison time, probation, hefty fines, and other penalties. You may not be sure who to turn to and what your options are. You are probably abandoned by the people you love and you feel alone. However, you can hire a criminal defense lawyer Knoxville, TN to help you with your case.
What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?
Criminal defense attorneys can be private or court-appointed attorneys who represent those charged with crimes. These experts will work with prosecutors to reduce your charges or have them dismissed.
Your defense attorney will meet with you and the prosecutor to investigate your case, review the evidence, question witnesses, establish a plea, and represent you in court. Before you testify in court, your attorney will prepare you for the questioning and inform you of what to expect from the trial.
What Happens If You Hire the Wrong Attorney?
Whether you hire a court-appointed lawyer or a private attorney, you need to ensure they are experienced in your type of case. Otherwise, you could face serious consequences that you suffer from for the rest of your life.
If you fail to hire the right attorney, you could pay hefty fines, serve out a full sentence, or go on probation. No matter the punishment, it can make your future difficult. For example, having a criminal record may make it impossible for you to get a job because employees may be reluctant in hiring you. Also, this record will disqualify you from getting federal loans or grants that you can use for getting an education. In addition, landlords may not want to rent out their property to those convicted of crimes to avoid getting into trouble. As a result, you may need to stay in a less than ideal place.
A lot of people who have criminal records end up in a bad situation once they get out of jail. As a result, they could end up choosing the wrong path and get jailed again. You can avoid all these consequences when you let a good criminal attorney represent you. They will give you a fighting chance a less capable attorney can’t give. They will walk help you understand how the legal system works and what to expect from it. They will explain the process and ensure you understand certain legal jargon. If you find an attorney who never does this, you should consider finding a new one to work with.
